Clinton County Camp Cadets announce ‘Lacy Day Camp’ for special needs children and adults
By Christopher Miller
LOCK HAVEN – In a meeting with current cadets at Clinton County Camp Cadet Wednesday afternoon, current cadets received word from director Charles Shoemaker and from Sugar Valley student Alyssa Lacy that there will be a new program added to the Cadet camp this September.
“Last year we had a young girl come to us for the Camp Cadet program that couldn’t pass the medical or physical exam parts to be in the program,” Shoemaker said. “So I had to tell her unfortunately she could not be a part of the program last year and that I had to send her home, but I promised her and her family (Colleen and Gerald Lacy) that I would start a special needs camp for children and adults.”
And thus, Lacy Day Camp was organized.
“If your attitude is poor, I want you to think about how this lady (Lacy) is overcoming obstacles in her life,” Shoemaker said.
“Lacy, tell me please how you felt when I told you that you had to go home last year,” Shoemaker asked Lacy. “It was tough, I was disappointed,” she replied.
“On Wednesday, September 25, Lacy Day Camp will be held at the Castanea Fire Company Picnic Grounds,” Shoemaker announced to the group.
The event, still in the planning stages, will have an array of activities for children and adults with disabilities such as the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Patrol Unit, the National Guard, a helicopter visit, a visit from Smokey Bear, fire trucks, and other activities for the four-hour event.
“There will be absolutely no cost to anyone who wants to come out and participate,” Shoemaker said. “Since the event will run from 10 AM to 2 PM there will be free food provided for everyone.”
Asking the current cadets to be the salesmen for the event, Shoemaker is asking the public for help.
“If you know of anyone who has special needs, go to our Facebook page and send in your application with more details to come,” Shoemaker said. “We expect well over 100 children and adults to be coming out for this.”
Alyssa, sporting her newly designed and printed t-shirt for the event, explained the significance of the design.
“There is a soap box derby car on it, and I like to do that with my own derby car, and I like to rock climb at the YMCA all the way to the top,” she told the crowd, not shy at all. “And the finish line on the shirt represents that I am almost there and can accomplish anything I do.”
Clinton County Camp Cadet is on the lookout for businesses, organizations, church groups, to help promote the event, and maybe volunteer to hold an event during Lacy Day Camp.
A second check was presented Wednesday afternoon in the amount of $2,000 for Lacy Day Camp.
More information on Lacy Day Camp can be found on their Facebook page here and in the coming weeks.
